Iran judo chief confident of medal breakthrough after Tunis success
Iran’s men’s judo team is on a trajectory to become a consistent medal contender for the country at major events – including the upcoming Asian Games – in the near future, Arash Miresmaeili, the chairman of the Iranian Judo Federation, insists.
His remarks follow an impressive medal haul by Iranian athletes at the recent Cadet and Junior African Cup tournaments, as well as the African Open event in Tunis.
The national team, which fielded five competitors across the cadet, junior, and senior categories in the Tunisian capital this week, returned with a total of six medals – including two golds – bolstering the federation’s long-term strategy of investing in youth development.
Elyas Parhizgar headlined the three-medal haul in the African Open by claiming gold in the -81kg division on Sunday, after Mohammadpouria Banaeian had clinched the men’s junior +100kg title.
“Our goal is to increase the ranking points of our judokas for Olympic qualification. Since the start of the new year, we have prioritized participation in ranking tournaments, including the African Open events in Morocco and Tunisia,” Miresmaeili told the official website of the national governing body.
He highlighted that a strategic shift to nurture young talent, initiated several years ago, is now bearing fruit. “We began investing in cadets and juniors years ago, and that program is paying off. The national team now has a low average age but has reached a good level of maturity and experience. This was evident in both the Casablanca and Tunis African Open tournaments,” he said.
While the performance in Morocco was deemed “good and acceptable,” Miresmaeili described the showing in Tunisia as “exceptional.”
“It is a commendable achievement,” he added.
Miresmaeili was particularly effusive in his praise for individual athletes. He singled out Parhizgar, who secured gold medals in both African Open events, stating the wins demonstrate the judoka has achieved significant self-confidence and maturity. Amirabbas Choopan – a bronze medalist in the -90kg division – was also commended for an improved performance in Tunis, while 17-year-old Banaian, who also won a prestigious silver in the seniors’ competition, received special mention for his high ranking and quality medals in recent events. “If he hadn’t made a momentary lapse in the final in Tunis, he would have definitely taken gold,” Miresmaeili noted.
Sobhan Hakimi, competing in the cadet category, secured a silver medal in the -81kg class. “We have invested in him, hoping he can shine for Iran at the Youth Olympics,” the president said. He also described Ali Nikseresht – junior -100kg silver winner – as a key asset for the future, noting the judoka currently holds a world ranking of fifth.
Looking ahead, Miresmaeili outlined an ambitious roadmap centered on the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in September.
“Our goal is to integrate new and young talents into the national team and, with careful planning, head to the Asian Games. Although the task is difficult, we have our eyes on medals there,” he stated.
The immediate focus, however, shifts to the Asian Championships – scheduled for the first time in the same year as the Asian Games – followed closely by the Asian U23 Championships. “Given the age profile of our judokas, we are very hopeful of shining in that event,” Miresmaeili said.
The federation’s strategy also includes increased participation in Grand Slam and Grand Prix events. “We must step by step raise the preparedness and technical level of our judokas. By sending athletes to major events and holding joint training camps, we aim to provide them with bouts against high-quality opponents from around the world to help them reach full maturity,” he explained.
Concluding his assessment, Miresmaeili expressed strong optimism for the future of the sport in Iran. “With God’s grace, the planning, and the efforts made, judo is getting closer to securing a place in Iran’s medal tally. The recent successes have injected new blood and energy into the sport. Our athletes have gained good self-confidence, and by participating in better and higher quality events, they will grow even more technically.”
He reiterated that the long-term investment in youth is now delivering results. “The average age of the national team is low, and these judokas can certainly win medals for Iran for years to come. I hope that by continuing this path, we can fulfill our promise and firmly establish judo in Iran’s medal-winning sports basket.”